Incredible scenario, and even more fabulous destiny. At the end of a long-undecided semi-final return, Real Madrid, on the edge of the precipice, qualified for the 18th Champions League final in its history. Carlo Ancelotti’s men needed to turn the situation around at the very end of the match, thanks to a double from Joselu (88th and 90th+1), unexpected hero and substitute at kick-off (2-1). Alphonso Davies believed he would offer Bayern Munich qualification before the Madrid miracle occurred. Real Madrid will aim for a new European title at Wembley, against Borussia Dortmund.
Nobody knows what to do to beat Real Madrid this season. Once again, we experienced an irrational match, in this Champions League semi-final return where everything was still possible due to the score obtained in the first leg (2-2). As is often the case, we saw the Merengue dead, after Alphonso Davies’ late opener (0-1, 68th). But we have to bury them once and for all to win, which the Bavarians failed to do, conceding two goals in the last minutes of an intense spectacle.
End of an anomaly or immense regrets for Bayern?
Joselu, unlikely hero
Note, however, that a victory for Bayern Munich would have been quite a hold-up, given the domination of Real Madrid for a good part of the match. Vinicius, untenable on his left side, gave the German defense a nightmare, with Joshua Kimmich in the lead.
But there was quite a wall to overcome: Manuel Neuer remembered us with some great saves (13th, 40th, 59th). He kept his team alive and opened the way for a robbery when we look at the very disappointing offensive performance of Thomas Tuchel’s men. They played several counter situations really badly, the fault of an astonishing technical waste and an annoying Leroy Sané.
And then Neuer made an irreparable mistake. While a goal was logically refused to Real Madrid for a foul by Nacho on Kimmich (73rd), the goalkeeper broke down by committing a hand fault on a Vinicius shot. Joselu, who was hanging around, was able to equalize (1-1, 88th) and reignite the fervor in the Bernabeu. Carried by the public and reinvigorated, the Madrilenians pushed, and the VAR validated a second goal from Joselu, first refused for an offside position, on a cross from Antonio Rüdiger (2-1, 90th +1 ). The irrational always.
Stunned, Bayern Munich did not have the same luck in their final action, when Matthijs de Ligt thought he had equalized in his turn. The referee quickly whistled for an offside position, too quickly for the VAR to intervene and review the action (90th + 13th). A contentious sequence which will leave a bitter taste for the Bavarians. But this is how Real Madrid builds its legend, receiving a helping hand from destiny at a time when we believe it is at rock bottom.
